Patents by Inventor Klein A. Rodrigues

Klein A. Rodrigues has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6384166
    Abstract: A low color or colorless polymaleate as determined by a Gardner color number of 8 or less, said polymaleate is prepared by aqueous solution polymerization of 70 to 99.9 weight percent of maleic acid, 0.1 to 30 weight percent of an allylic sulfonate monomer, and 0.5 to 50 &mgr;m, based on the moles of monomer, of a polyvalent transition metal ion selected from group consisting of Group IVA, VA, VIA, VIIA, VIIIA, IB, IIB, and combinations thereof, wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of monomer, provided that 10 to 60 mole percent of the carboxylic acid groups on the maleic acid are neutralized prior to polymerization. The low color or colorless polymaleates provide permanent press properties to textiles treated therewith and increases the resistance of such textiles to laundering abrasion. The polymaleates also may be used in cleaning compositions to disperse and suspend soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Anne-Marie Austin, Allen M. Carrier, Klein A. Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 6369023
    Abstract: The use of polyether hydroxycarboxylate copolymers in textile manufacturing and treating processes. The polyether hydroxycarboxylate copolymer has the structure wherein M+ is a cation wherein M is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, ammonia, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, zinc, copper, organic amines, amino acids, and amino saccharides; R1 is the residue of an ethylenically unsaturated comonomer having at least one functional group which is selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid and phosphonic acid; R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; n is from about 2 to about 100; X1 and X2 are independently 0 or 1; a is from 0 to 100 mole percent; and b is from 100 to 0 mole percent, provided that (a+b) is 100 mole percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Klein A. Rodrigues, Allen M. Carrier, Michael C. Hazlewood
  • Patent number: 6337313
    Abstract: A method to prevent the backstaining of denim during a stonewashing process comprising treating the denim with a solution or dispersion of a hydrophobically modified polymer having a hydrophilic backbone and at least one hydrophobic moiety, wherein said hydrophilic backbone is prepared from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomer selected from the group consisting of unsaturated C1-C6 acid, amide, ether, alcohol, aldehyde, anhydride, ketone and ester; polymerizable hydrophilic cyclic monomer; non-ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable hydrophilic monomer which is selected from the group consisting of glycerol and other polyhydric alcohols; and combinations thereof, wherein said hydrophilic backbone is optionally substituted with one or more amino, amine, amide, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate, hydroxy, carboxyl or oxide groups; wherein said hydrophobic moiety is prepared from at least one hydrophobic monomer or a chain transfer agent, said hydr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Company
    Inventor: Klein A. Rodrigues
  • Publication number: 20010034911
    Abstract: A method to prevent the backstaining of denim during a stonewashing process comprising treating the denim with a solution or dispersion of a hydrophobically modified polymer having a hydrophilic backbone and at least one hydrophobic moiety, wherein said hydrophilic backbone is prepared from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomer selected from the group consisting of amide, ether, alcohol, aldehyde, anhydride, ketone and ester; polymerizable hydrophilic cyclic monomer; non-ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable hydrophilic monomer which is selected from the group consisting of glycerol and other polyhydric alcohols; and combinations thereof, wherein said hydrophilic backbone is optionally substituted with one or more amino, amine, amide, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate, hydroxy, carboxyl or oxide groups; wherein said hydrophobic moiety is prepared from at least one hydrophobic monomer or a chain transfer agent, said hydrophobic monomer is selec
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Klein A. Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 6306815
    Abstract: A water-soluble quaternary polyvinylpyrridinium derivative which inhibits dye transfer in detergent compositions without adversely affecting stain or soil removal or soil redeposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Klein A. Rodrigues, John S. Thomaides
  • Patent number: 6290867
    Abstract: A textile treatment composition which imparts anti-wrinkling properties to textiles treated therewith, said textile treatment composition comprising a polyhydroxyalkylurea crosslinking agent having at least two urea moieties. Textiles treated with the compositions of the invention display a significant reduction in wrinkles compared with nontreated textiles. Moreover, the treated textiles have a tactile sensation of feeling soft and retain their smoothness after laundering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kielbania, Jr., Klein A. Rodrigues, Susanne Goodson, Christopher G. Gore
  • Patent number: 6291594
    Abstract: Compositions useful for textile sizes which contain anhydride based graft copolymers. The anhydride based graft copolymers are the reaction product of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, an anhydride monomer selected from maleic anhydride and itaconic anhydride, either a monofunctional polyglycol having a hydroxyl or amine terminal group or a polyfunctional polyglycol having a weight average molecular weight of greater than 5,000 and at least one terminal hydroxyl group, and a free radical initiator. The anhydride based graft copolymers provide lubrication during sizing and a thorough removal of waxes and oils during desizing and scouring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Klein A. Rodrigues
  • Publication number: 20010002390
    Abstract: A powder detergent composition which is effective for removing and dispersing organic non-polar and polar soils from fabrics in wash liquors. The powder detergent composition comprises a polymer having a hydrophilic backbone and at least one hydrophobic moiety. The hydrophilic backbone is prepared from a monomer selected from ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomers, polymerizable hydrophilic cyclic monomers, and non-ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable hydrophilic monomers selected from glycerol and other polyhydric alcohols. The hydrophobic moiety is prepared from a monomer selected from siloxanes, saturated or unsaturated alkyl and hydrophobic alkoxygroups, aryl and aryl-alkyl groups. The polymers also boost the cleaning performance of hard surface and dishware detergent compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Applicant: Klein A. Rodrigues
    Inventor: KLEIN A. RODRIGUES
  • Patent number: 6228783
    Abstract: A laundry article effective for inhibiting transfer of extraneous dyes and soil to articles in a wash liquor, said laundry article comprising a support matrix and a functionalized polyamine attached to or entrapped in the support matrix. The functionalized polyamine comprises the reaction product of (A) a cyano- or guanidino-containing compound and (B) a polyamine prepared from at least one monomeric amine. The laundry article inhibits dye transfer, soil redeposition, and provides color protection to fabrics in a wash liquor. In addition, the laundry article does not interfere with the removal of stains from fabrics washed in the presence of the laundry article. Furthermore, the laundry article containing the functionalized polyamines are economical and environmentally safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Alvie L. Foster, Jr., Ivonne C. Weidner, Klein A. Rodrigues, Allen M. Carrier
  • Patent number: 6211299
    Abstract: In situ solvent free methods for making anhydride based graft copolymers which involve mixing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, an anhydride monomer, either a monofunctional polyglycol having a hydroxyl or amine terminal group or a polyfunctional polyglycol having a weight average molecular weight of greater than 5,000 and at least one terminal hydroxyl group, and a free radical initiator to form a mixture. The mixture is heated to form a copolymer having repeat units derived from the ethylenically unsaturated monomer and anhydride monomer, and a copolymer grafted polyglycol comprising a main polyglycol backbone having copolymer side chains which are heated to form an anhydride based graft copolymer. The anhydride based graft copolymers are especially useful as soil release agents in detergent formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas H. Moss, III, Klein A. Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 6191098
    Abstract: A water-soluble polyvinylpyrridinium derivative containing a quaternary nitrogen and an anionic moiety selected from a sulfonate and/or a carboxylate functionality, said polyvinylpyrridinium derivative having the structure wherein a is a repeating unit of 1 to 100; b is a repeating unit of 0 to 99; c is a repeating unit of 0 to 99; d is a repeating unit of 0 to 99; R is selected from the group consisting of (CR1R2)m1, benzene, and substituted benzene; Y is selected from the group consisting of (CR3R4)m2, benzene, and substituted benzene; substituted benzene is independently a benzene substituted with a group selected from the group consisting of amino moeity, nitro moiety, halogen moiety, and combinations thereof; Z is derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; m1 and m2 are independently 0 to 10; M+ is independently a cation wherein M is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, ammonia, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, zinc, copper, organic amines, amino acids, and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Klein A. Rodrigues, John S. Thomaides
  • Patent number: 6180589
    Abstract: The invention provides novel polyether hydroxycarboxylate copolymers which are effective sequestering agents. The polyether hydroxycarboxylate copolymer when used in a cleaning composition enhances or “builds” the cleaning efficiency of the surfactant by inactivating hardness ions. In addition, the polyether hydroxycarboxylate copolymers assist in cleaning by dispersing and suspending soils to prevent the redeposition of soils. The polyether hydroxycarboxylate copolymer has the structure wherein M+ is a cation wherein M is independently selected from hydrogen, ammonia, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, zinc, copper, organic amines, amino acids, and amino saccharides; R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; n is from about 2 to about 100; x1 and x2 are independently 0 or 1; a is from 0 to 99 mole percent; and b is from 100 to 1 mole percent, provided that (a+b) is 100 mole percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Klein A. Rodrigues, Allen M. Carrier
  • Patent number: 6160110
    Abstract: A water-soluble or water-dispersible amino acid copolymer having pendent polysaccharide moieties. The invention also provides a method for cleaning an article and a method of providing soil resistance to an article using the amino acid copolymer having pendent polysaccharide moieties. The amino acid copolymers are useful in cleaning compositions such as laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, prespotters, fabric softeners, and hard surface cleaners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Thomaides, Klein A. Rodrigues, Paul M. Petersen
  • Patent number: 6075093
    Abstract: A laundry detergent composition comprising a surfactant, builder and from about 0.1 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the laundry detergent composition, of a styrene-anhydride copolymer grafted with polyethylene glycol which is prepared by reacting in a solvent styrene monomer selected from styrene and substituted styrene, with an anhydride monomer selected from maleic anhydride and itaconic anhydride, to form a styrene-anhydride copolymer which is reacted with polyethylene glycol, to form a styrene-anhydride copolymer grafted with polyethylene glycol. The styrene-anhydride copolymers grafted with polyethylene glycol when used in a laundering process, remove soil from fabrics, inhibit soil deposition on fabrics, and provide soil resistance to fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Klein A. Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 6046120
    Abstract: An improved textile material having a hydrophilic finish which is made by a method comprising applying to a fibrous web an aqueous solution comprising an anhydride based graft copolymer, and drying the fibrous web at a temperature sufficient to cure the anhydride based graft copolymer in the fibrous web. The anhydride based graft copolymer is the reaction product of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, an anhydride monomer selected from maleic anhydride and itaconic anhydride, either a monofunctional polyglycol having a hydroxyl or amine terminal group or a polyfunctional polyglycol having a weight average molecular weight of greater than 5,000 and at least one terminal hydroxyl group, and a free radical initiator. The hydrophilic finish eliminates the shortcomings inherent in certain textile materials such as their high affinity for oils, staining during washing, static cling problems, and wearer discomfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Klein A. Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 6020297
    Abstract: A low color or colorless polymaleate as determined by a Gardner color number of 8 or less, said polymaleate is prepared by aqueous solution polymerization of 70 to 99.9 weight percent of maleic acid, 0.1 to 30 weight percent of an allylic sulfonate monomer, and 0.5 to 50 .mu.m, based on the moles of monomer, of a polyvalent transition metal ion selected from group consisting of Group IVA, VA, VIA, VIIA, VIIIA, IB, IIB, and combinations thereof, wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of monomer, provided that 10 to 60 mole percent of the carboxylic acid groups on the maleic acid are neutralized prior to polymerization. The low color or colorless polymaleates provide permanent press properties to textiles treated therewith and increases the resistance of such textiles to laundering abrasion. The polymaleates also may be used in cleaning compositions to disperse and suspend soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Anne-Marie Austin, Allen M. Carrier, Klein A. Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 6008316
    Abstract: A functionalized polyamine comprising the reaction product of (A) a cyano- or guanidino-containing compound selected from the group consisting of cyanamides or salts thereof, dicyanamides or salts thereof, dicyandiamides or salts thereof, guanidines or salts thereof, biguanidines or salts thereof, and combinations thereof, and (B) a polyamine prepared from at least one monomeric amine, wherein the cyano- or guanidino-functional groups are attached to the polyamine or incorporated therein to form the functionalized polyamine, provided that the monomeric amine and the cyano- or guanidino-containing compound are present in the functionalized polyamine in a molar ratio of from 1.1:1 to 100:1, respectively. The functionalized polyamines are especially useful as anti-dye transfer and color protection agents in laundry detergent compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Alvie L. Foster, Jr., Ivonne C. Weidner, Klein A. Rodrigues, Allen M. Carrier
  • Patent number: 5977275
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having pendant polysaccharide moieties. The invention also provides a method for cleaning an article and a method of providing soil resistance to an article using the polymers having pendant polysaccharide moieties. The polymers are useful in cleaning compositions such as laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, prespotters, fabric softeners, and hard surface cleaners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Klein A. Rodrigues, Allen M. Carrier, James B. Furr
  • Patent number: 5965466
    Abstract: A method for imparting permanent press properties to a textile containing cellulose fibers. The method involves applying an aqueous solution of a (hydroxyalkyl)urea and/or a .beta.-hydroxyalkyl amide crosslinking agent to a textile, and heating the textile at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time to react the crosslinking agent with the textile wherein water is removed from the textile, to impart permanent press properties to the textile. The crosslinking agent is free of formaldehyde. The method of the present invention provides permanent press properties to textiles treated therewith and increases the resistance of such textiles to future laundering abrasion. Such treated textiles display a significant reduction in wrinkles compared with nontreated textiles. Moreover, the treated textiles have a tactile sensation of feeling soft and retain their smoothness after laundering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Klein A. Rodrigues, Michael C. Hazlewood
  • Patent number: 5962400
    Abstract: A water-soluble or water-dispersible amino acid copolymer having pendent polysaccharide moieties. The invention also provides a method for cleaning an article and a method of providing soil resistance to an article using the amino acid copolymer having pendent polysaccharide moieties. The amino acid copolymers are useful in cleaning compositions such as laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, prespotters, fabric softeners, and hard surface cleaners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Thomaides, Klein A. Rodrigues, Paul M. Petersen